best form of the drug for use in tetanic cases--or the resin may be
made into an emulsion, by trituration with a little flour, carbonate
of soda, and mucilage. The soda tends to dissolve the resin, and its
use is in accordance with the precepts of the ancient Eastern writers,
who prescribed hemp with alkaline substances, and used acids in various
forms (such as oxymel and sorrel wine) to counteract its effects when
taken in overdoses.
In conclusion, I venture to refer to the very interesting cases lately
published by Mr. Ley, in the Provincial Medical Journal. Another
memoir from the same able pen, will, I understand, soon appear, and
will afford ample evidence of the therapeutic value of this agent.
Mr. Ley informs me that of the _anti-convulsive_ power of the hemp he
entertains no doubt. This is the great, the valuable result to look
for; all else is comparatively of but little importance. On some minor
points Mr. Ley’s results differ from mine. This must be regarded but
as a proof of the accuracy of his observations--that he is recording
faithfully what he sees, and is not merely treading in the footsteps of
another.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your faithful servant,
W. B. O’SHAUGHNESSY, M.D.
London, Feb. 8, 1843.
P.S.--I would take the liberty of inviting experimentalists to the
repetition on the hemp resin of the processes for preparing conia and
nicotina--namely by distillation with caustic potash or soda and water,
receiving the distilled liquid in dilute acid, and redistilling this
with an excess of alkali, as before. My departure from India interfered
with my trial of this process, and I think it likely to lead to
valuable results.
LONDON:
S. Taylor, Printer, 6, Chandos street, Covent-garden.
Transcriber’s Notes
A few very minor mistakes in punctuation and spelling were fixed.